Stockholm

As Sweden’s capital is dramatically situated and spread over 14 islands, it is often called the “Venice of the North”. Stockholm is not only the seat of the Swedish parliament and government, but also the country’s financial and economic centre. It has recently boldly marketed itself as “The Capital of Scandinavia” – proof, perhaps, that a little metropolitan arrogance is not alien to Stockholmers.

The region of Greater Stockholm has around 1.8 million inhabitants, the equivalent to one fifth of the entire Swedish population. When we talk to Swedes about the difference between Stockholm and Gothenburg, we sometimes hear: “Stockholm is a metropolis, Gothenburg is a large city.”

World-famous museums and luxury shopping

Stockholm is suitable for both short trips over a weekend, and also much longer visits, including a whole summer vacation. There are world-famous museums such as the Vasa Ship Museum, the cosy old town “Gamla Stan”, the Royal Castle, the amusement park Gröna Lund and the SkyView on the Ericsson Globe to see.

If you prefer shopping, you will also find Sweden’s best boutiques with Swedish fashion, luxury department stores (“NK” for example) and much more to enjoy.

Don’t forget your swimwear

If you have had enough of sightseeing and shopping, you can always get on one of the many boats and take a trip to the stunning archipelago, where you will soon forget all the hustle and bustle of the big city. In fine summer weather, you should always take your swimwear along, as the beaches are excellent.

Fika like a Stockholmer

Fika is a common word in Stockholm and all over Sweden, but what does it mean? Simply put, it is the Swedish word for coffee break. If you want to fika like a Stockholmer, you can read our blog post on 12 cafés in Stockholm. Would you rather care for a drink? Read Rooftop bars and outside terraces in Stockholm.

Our recommendations for Stockholm

The archipelago
Gamla Stan, the old town
The open-air museum Skansen on Djurgården
The warship Vasa – A visit to the Vasa Ship Museum
SkyView and the Globe Arena
Sergels torg, the city’s busy centre
Järnpojke, the “Iron Boy”: Stockholm’s smallest statue
Stockholm’s best view: Fjällgatan
The viewpoint Monteliusvägen on Södermalm
Hammarby sjöstad
The Artipelag art gallery in the archipelago
Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde: art museum and gardens
The Rosendal Garden and Park on Djurgården
Sightseeing tours and guided walks – an overview
Food festival in early June: “Smaka på Stockholm” – a taste of Stockholm
Culture Festival in mid-August, including the “We are Sthlm” youth festival
18 recommended (youth) hostels
If you want to take a “Stockholm country break”, visit the province of Sörmland southwest of the city

Hotels in Stockholm

Book now: Hotels, hostels, B&Bs in Stockholm

Here are some hotels we especially recommend:

5 star: the famous Grand Hotel opposite the Royal Palace – every year around December 10, this hotel accommodates the Nobel Prize winners
4 star: the new Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel not far from the central station
4 star: Scandic Anglais near the Stureplan square – excellent breakfast plus great view from the rooftop bar; our tip: there are small single rooms in the basement (no window) that are usually quite reasonably priced
3 star: First Hotel Fridhemsplan
Inexpensive and modern: Motel L in Hammarby sjöstad, air-conditioning in all rooms; nice waterfront cafés and restaurants within walking distance